Derry City FC has taken a significant step towards nurturing local talent by launching a full-time scholarship partnership with St. Joseph's Boys School and the Steven Gerrard Academy. This innovative BTEC sports programme, unveiled on March 31, 2025, is part of a long-term strategy aimed at developing homegrown talent and facilitating the transition from academy football to senior levels.
Mark McChrystal, the Technical Director of Derry City FC, will spearhead this new partnership, which aims to create a 'football pyramid' that provides a clear pathway from underage teams to the first team. The initiative comes at a time when the club has faced challenges in player development, with many young talents feeling disillusioned by the lack of direction and progression in recent years.
City manager Tiernan Lynch emphasized the importance of this programme, stating, "We have big plans for what we want to do with the club. It certainly was never my intention to come into Derry City and just be the first team manager. We've put a whole footballing pyramid together, and it's definitely our thought process to get our hands dirty and put structures back in place that the club has maybe been missing for a number of years." Lynch's commitment to being hands-on with the academy reflects his desire to foster a culture of growth and opportunity.
Previously, Derry City had advertised for a Head of Academy position, but Lynch opted for a more involved approach, wanting to work closely with McChrystal and the coaching staff. His experience in establishing Northern Ireland's first full-time football academy at the Belfast Metropolitan College positions him well to lead this initiative.
The scholarship programme is designed to increase coaching contact time while delivering formal education programmes. Lynch noted that the primary goal is to stop the trend of North West-based players seeking opportunities in Belfast, stating, "What I'm led to believe is that more and more of them are going down towards Belfast, and that has to change. We're now going to put the structures in place where they will stay in the city, and I'm sure if you asked any of them who they wanted to play for, they would all tell you 'Derry City.'" This sentiment echoes the club's ambition to retain local talent and push them towards professional contracts or integrate them into the first team.
In a bid to enhance the academy's offerings, Lynch aims to develop an Elite Player Performance Plan (EPPP) that mirrors the successful youth development systems employed by top clubs in England. He remarked, "Our job now is how do we get Derry City closer to an EPPP club and a category one academy? There's a huge amount of work going on behind the scenes, and people are definitely rolling their sleeves up, trying to get into the community." This plan involves not just football training but also a comprehensive educational curriculum that prepares young athletes for future careers, whether in sports or other fields.
Mrs. Ciara Deane, Principal of St. Joseph's Boys School, expressed her enthusiasm for the partnership, highlighting the school’s commitment to educational excellence. She stated, "Our school, in collaboration with Derry City Football Club’s Academy and the Steven Gerrard Academy, will offer an investment in a high-quality curriculum for sport with the expertise of sports coaching. The principles of our academy programme will build on the existing relationships with the academy and shape the options for young players from 11-18 years."
The scholarship programme offers students the chance to gain invaluable coaching experience and qualifications, including the BTEC National Diploma in Sport Level 3, which is equivalent to three A-Levels. The initiative targets young players with a passion for football and sports, aiming to develop the leaders of the future. The course will also provide work opportunities, allowing students to apply their skills in real-world settings.
At the launch event, attendees included Derry City manager Tiernan Lynch, the Bishop of Derry, Dr. Donal McKeown, and representatives from the Steven Gerrard Foundation and Ulster University. The collaborative effort signifies a community-focused approach to youth development in the region.
Ciaron Harkin, a former student of St. Joseph's and now a senior player for Derry City, shared his thoughts on the programme: "What an amazing opportunity for the young players of our city, my football club, and my old school. It’s a shame this wasn’t available when I was younger, but at the same time, it’s great to see the next generation of players get the experience. The chance to train and play full-time for Derry City while pursuing an education is a perfect blend of passion and practicality. I really look forward to watching this programme grow and develop."
As Derry City FC embarks on this exciting journey, the club is committed to revitalizing its academy and fostering local talent. With plans to build a state-of-the-art training facility and academy, the future looks bright for aspiring footballers in Derry. The scholarship programme not only aims to develop players' skills on the pitch but also to equip them with the educational tools necessary for success off the pitch.
In conclusion, the launch of the Derry City Football Academy marks a pivotal moment for the club and the community. By investing in young talent and providing a comprehensive educational framework, Derry City FC is poised to create a new generation of football stars who are well-prepared for the challenges of professional sport.
